The number of passengers RJ transported increased from 255.000 in August 2007 to 295.000 in August this year, a 16% increase.
Moreover, the seat factor grew from 81% to 82% for the same month. The number of departures performed by RJ aircraft on its network, which counts 56 destinations, went up by 13%, hence the number of departures increased from 2,976 flights in August 2007 to 3,364 flights last August.
Aircraft km also grew by 13%, registering 9900 flying hours, where it increased by 14% and the uplifted cargo carried on board RJ aircraft logged a 13% increase. At the same time fuel costs beard by RJ reached JOD33,5m last August compared to the amount of JOD16m spent in the same month last year and that makes it a 106% increase.
First eight months results were positive in various operational indicators as well, whereas the number of RJ passengers transported during the mentioned period reached 1,8 million compared to 1,5 million passengers transported last year for the same period marking a 20% increase. Accordingly, the seat factor grew by 3% as it went up from 71% to 74%. In comparison to the same period in 2007 departures increased by 16%, flying hours by 17%, aircraft km by 17% and uplifted cargo 22%.
The fuel costs incurred by RJ during the first eight months of this year reached JOD197m compared to JOD101m for the same period last year, reporting a 95% increase.
President/CEO Samer Majali commented on these results, saying the growing confidence from the passengers and the increasing demand on travel on board RJ aircraft is the reason behind achieving these ongoing improvements in all operational indicators. That's due to the distinguished air and ground services RJ presents for its passengers and the multiple travel options provided on various sectors, whether via its direct flights or oneworld airline alliance. More than 700 cities are served by this alliance, of which RJ is a member.
He also added, although the positive operational results achieved by RJ during the past period, the financial results where not at the same level for the huge increase in fuel prices at that period. Majali expressed his hope that fuel prices will not affect the operational results of RJ during the next period, in light of the relative decrease in fuel prices worldwide.
Last August fuel costs represented 49% of total RJ operational costs, compared to 33% in august 2007. While fuel costs for the first eight months of this year were 44% out of total costs compared to 31% for the same period last year.
